Stefano Vecchia

The former president was flown overnight to be arraigned before the International Criminal Court for “crimes against humanity”. His lawyers, family members and supporters tried to stop his departure. The trial risks further widening the gap between the Duterte and Marcos families ahead of May elections.

After the 2021 coup, Myanmar overtook Afghanistan with a production worth between US$ 589 million and US$ 1.57 billion. The economic crisis and war have pushed farmers and displaced people to turn to opium poppy cultivation, despite the meagre earnings. The flow of money finances both the military junta and ethnic rebel militias.

The Philippines is no longer the top supplier to the Chinese market, with a 32 per cent drop in exports. Vietnam instead consolidated its growth thanks to competitive prices, geographic proximity, and higher production. Meanwhile, the European Union is boosting ties with the communist Southeast Asian country after the US threatens new tariffs.

Shot by the killers on a motorbike who pulled up alongside his car in broad daylight. Notre Dame University: ‘Let's not let this become another unsolved case in the growing list of senseless acts of violence in our country’. A few days ago the decision was made to postpone the Bangsamoro elections.

A non-violent uprising culminated with the dictator’s flight on 25 February 1986. The US still plays a pivotal role in a delicate regional balance amid Chinese expansionism. Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s rehabilitation and reburial in Manila’s Heroes Cemetery have helped his son’s rise to power. The country’s political instability mirrors its propensity to natural disasters.

The Seoul authorities denounce the ‘inhuman’ destruction of a place with a strong symbolic value. A gesture that continues the policy of shelving any prospect of reunification between North and South. Over the years, the facility on Mount Kumgang had hosted reunions between relatives separated by the conflict for decades: the last meeting was in 2018.

In addition to China and Thailand's efforts against illegal activities proliferating in Myanmar, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army has now called on Chinese nationals involved in criminal activities to leave its territory by the end of the month. Thousands of foreigners from Africa and South Asia have been trafficked into Southeast Asia to work in conditions of modern slavery.

After the vote in the House, the Senate will rule only in June, after the midterm elections. Several representatives from the Duterte family’s stronghold of Mindanao voted in favour of impeaching Duterte, a sign of her waning political influence.

A study by IPS and OnePeople titled Indicators of Racial and Religious Harmony indicates that racial and religious stereotypes are growing as people become more conscious and honest about diversity. A quarter of the population does not fully trust fellow citizens from other religious or ethnic backgrounds, down from 42 per cent in 2013.

Yesterday the former Thai prime minister made his first official outing as coordinator of a group of informal advisers to the head of the Malaysian government who is this year’s ASEAN rotating chairman. The former foreign minister of Singapore was also present. The Thai billionaire's knowledge of Myanmar’s situation and his business acumen underlie his role, but there is no shortage of critical voices.

Opposition to economic development is growing. Population growth, pollution and land reclamations are the critical factors. Poor legislative protection also threatens the body of water. Foreign lawmakers and activists are joining the battle.

Low temperatures and fog have caused a pollution emergency in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. The situation is bad in 64 out of the country’s 76 provinces. In 2024, one million people sought medical attention due to air pollution, at a cost of US$ 90 million. People are urged not to burn replica money as a lucky charm for Lunar New Year.